WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar introduced legislation to help crack down on distracted driving in Minnesota and across the country. The bill would help ensure that more states are able to access critical funding to enforce distracted driving laws and educate drivers to keep our roadways safe. Companion legislation is led in the House of Representatives by Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL). The bill is also cosponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Steve Cohen (D-TN).
“When drivers take their eyes off of the road, they endanger themselves, other drivers, and pedestrians,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This legislation will help ensure states have the resources to create safer roads for all and, ultimately, save lives.”
“I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation to help curb distracted driving and save lives across our country. Although distracted driving has always been a danger on the road, the ubiquity of cell phones has dramatically increased its pervasiveness and the risks it creates. We need practical solutions to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving and to enforce common-sense safety laws. The grants our bill would establish will help provide both,” said Representative Krishnamoorthi.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, eight people die and more than 1,000 are injured every day in crashes involving distracted driving. While distracted driving has always been an issue, cell phones have increased the number of distracted drivers, making this common sense legislation necessary. The States Afforded Funding Extensions to Oppose Driving Recklessly In Vehicular Engagements (SAFE TO DRIVE) Act would adjust the requirements to ensure that more states are taking steps to curb distracted driving and can qualify to receive grant funds if they implement laws banning all non-navigational mobile device viewing, such as streaming videos or video calls on cell phones, while driving.
This bill is endorsed by Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, State Farm, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, National Safety Council, Farmers Insurance, American Family Insurance, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), Nationwide, Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA), Families for Safe Streets, Palmetto Cycling Coalition, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Foundation, Consumer Federation of America, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, National Consumers League, Center for Auto Safety, Trauma Foundation, and KidsAndCars.org.
# # #
